Motorcycle spring check
The ultimate checklist for the first rideFinally, the first warm rays of sunshine, dry roads and that unmistakable scent of spring in the air – for many motorcyclists, there is hardly a better wake-up call from winter hibernation: the season is beginning. After months of winter storage, the urge returns to start the engine and finally head back out on the road. But before you put on your helmet and set off, it is worth taking a short moment to prepare. After a long period off the road, your motorcycle needs a little attention too. A thorough spring check not only helps to ensure that your bike runs reliably again – above all, it is an important contribution to your own safety and that of all other road users.
In this guide, we will show you step by step how to get your motorcycle ready for the new season, including practical tips for a safe and relaxed start to the first ride of the year.
Note
We accept no liability for the instructions in this article. If you are unsure or have no experience, we recommend having your motorcycle checked by a professional workshop.
A thorough spring check before the first ride is essential: we show you what you should pay attention to.
Safety and durability: Typical winter problems with motorcycles
During the winter months, motorcycles often remain unused for weeks or even months – in the garage, under a carport or beneath a cover. Even if your bike seems untouched during this time, the effects of time still continue in the background. Batteries slowly lose their charge, tyres can lose pressure and moisture may affect individual components. After the winter break, some parts may quite literally have become a little “rusty”. A thorough inspection is especially important for motorcycles. Unlike in a car, there is no protective bodywork or crumple zone to provide additional safety in an emergency. This makes it even more crucial that your motorcycle is in perfect technical condition. A short spring check helps you identify potential problems early – before they become a risk on your first ride.
The following motorcycle components may be affected by long winter storage and should be checked during your spring inspection:
If you are familiar with your motorcycle and have already performed the spring check several times, you can easily handle many of the steps yourself. Practical helpers can make the job easier – for example, an Einhell compressor for inflating the tyres or an Einhell cordless screwdriver for loosening and tightening screws. You can bring light into the dark interior of your workshop or your motorcycle with our practical 1000-lumen Einhell cordless lamp TE-CL 18/1000 S Li - Solo.
Help needed?
If you are unsure about individual steps or if your motorcycle has been unused for a long time, a professional spring check is recommended. Many workshops offer special seasonal inspections in which safety-relevant components are thoroughly checked. Simply ask the workshop you trust.
The ultimate checklist to prepare for the first ride
You should not carry out the motorcycle check right before your first ride, but a few days in advance. This way, you still have time to arrange a workshop appointment if needed and make sure everything runs smoothly on your first tour.
What you should do before the check:
Before you begin the technical inspection, it is worth taking a quick look at the overall condition of your motorcycle. First remove any coarse dirt and check whether there is any visible external damage. Thorough cleaning also helps protect your motorcycle from corrosion and paint damage.
Dust and light dirt can usually be removed easily with a damp cloth. For more stubborn dirt, a mobile medium-pressure cleaner can help. With the Einhell cordless pressure washer HYPRESSO 18/24-1 Li, your motorcycle can be cleaned even without a fixed water connection. The cleaner works with 24 bar pressure and, thanks to its five-metre suction hose, can draw water from various sources – such as a bucket, canister or even a pond. The integrated water filter allows the cleaner to operate independently from a tap, so you can clean your motorcycle almost anywhere. For sensitive surfaces, the HYPRESSO also has a reduced-pressure mode to protect the material. However, make sure to avoid electrical parts and open bearings, which must not be cleaned with a pressure washer.
1. Tyres
The tyres are your most important and only connection to the road – and therefore a decisive factor for safety, handling and braking distance. After the winter break, you should give them special attention.
First check the tread depth. This can be measured quickly with a tread depth gauge. The legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but for safe riding at least 2–3 mm is recommended. In addition to the tread, the age of the tyres also plays an important role. Even if the tread is still sufficient, tyres older than six years should be replaced for safety reasons.
How can I tell the age of my tyres? What is the correct tyre pressure?
You can find the age of your tyres by checking the DOT number on the tyre sidewall: the first two digits indicate the week of production, and the last two digits indicate the year of production.
The correct tyre pressure is just as important. As a general guideline:
- Front tyre: 2.25–2.5 bar
- Rear tyre: 2.5–2.9 bar
If you are riding with a passenger or carrying a lot of luggage, a pressure increase of about 0.2–0.4 bar may be useful. However, the exact values can always be found in your motorcycle’s owner’s manual.
💡Tip
With our Einhell hybrid compressor Pressito, you can set the desired tyre pressure and wait comfortably while the compressor inflates your tyres. Thanks to the auto shut-off function, the compressor stops automatically once the set pressure is reached — exactly according to your needs.
2. Battery
The battery should be fully charged before the first ride. You can do this with our Einhell all-round battery charger CE-BC 15 M. This intelligent battery charger with microprocessor control is suitable for a wide range of vehicle battery types.
Why does the battery suffer during winter?
During the winter break, a battery continuously loses charge even when not in use. Low temperatures and long periods of inactivity can cause it to discharge completely.
Do not forget: when installing the battery, connect the positive terminal first, then the negative terminal. If the battery can no longer be fully charged, it should be replaced. A suitable replacement battery can be obtained from a workshop or a specialist dealer.
Don’t forget the brake lines!
Also check the brake lines, as they can become brittle over time. If you notice any damage, you should stop riding the motorcycle and have the braking system inspected by a professional workshop.
3. Brakes
After a long period of inactivity, dust or light deposits can form on the brakes. Therefore, clean the braking system carefully with a suitable brake cleaner. Then sit on your motorcycle and check:
- whether the pressure point on the brake lever is clearly noticeable
- whether everything operates smoothly when pressing the foot brake
4. Lighting & electrics
Start the engine and then check all electrical functions:
- Low beam
- High beam
- Rear light
- Brake light
- Turn signals
- Fog light / rear fog light
- Number plate light
- Warning lights in the cockpit
How can I check the lights on my own?
If you want to check the lights without help, you can move close to a wall and see whether, for example, the red light from the brake light is visible on the wall. Defective bulbs should be replaced as soon as possible — you are only clearly visible when your lighting works properly.
5. Fluids
Before your first ride, you should check the following fluids:
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
Any missing fluids should be topped up.
Why do fluids age?
Brake fluid, for example, can absorb moisture over time. This reduces its performance, which is why it should be checked regularly and replaced in a workshop if necessary.
💡Tip
An oil change is especially effective when the engine is already warm. Therefore, it may be a good idea to change the oil after the first short ride, preferably at a workshop.
How can I avoid making a mess while doing this?
To prevent your rear wheel from getting dirty from chain spray, you can use a piece of cardboard as a cover and place it behind the chain. Also, using white chain spray makes it easier to see if you missed any spots.
6. Chain
The drive chain also needs some care after the winter break. Moisture and long periods of inactivity can cause it to rust or dry out. Before your first ride, you should therefore:
- clean the chain thoroughly
- lubricate it again afterwards
- and check the chain tension
A well-maintained chain not only ensures better power transmission, but also extends the service life of the entire drivetrain.
Mistakes you should avoid:
When preparing for the first ride, small but critical mistakes often happen. Make sure that you:
- do not only check the tyres visually, but also check pressure and tread
- charge the battery before the season starts
- do not ignore fluids
- clean and lubricate the chain
- do not push your motorcycle to the limit on the first ride
A calm start to the season helps both you and your motorcycle get used to the road again.
Tip for a successful engine start
You have already ridden a few kilometres, enjoying the first warm rays of sunshine, and you stop for a short break. Take a deep breath, take off your helmet for a moment — and then you want to continue. But when you press the starter button… nothing happens. The motorcycle will not start.
Situations like this can occur, especially after the winter break. That makes it even more reassuring if you are prepared just in case. A mobile jump starter can help you get going again quickly.
With the Einhell jump starter, you’re perfectly prepared for your first ride, even if you run into starting problems.
How to start the engine successfully
With the Einhell jump starter power bank CE-JS 8/1, petrol engines up to 4000 cc can be started easily – ideal if the battery runs low after a long period of inactivity. At the same time, the compact power bank is a practical companion on tour: it is easy to carry and, thanks to various USB ports, can also supply power to smartphones, cameras or other electronic devices while on the go.
Don’t forget your equipment and vehicle inspection!
In addition to preparing your motorcycle, you should not forget that protective gear also plays a major role in your personal safety. Therefore, your helmet, visor, riding gear, gloves and boots should be checked for damage before the start of the season. Wearing highly visible clothing makes you easier to see in traffic, which can be especially helpful and safer at the beginning of the season.
Don’t forget to check if your inspection is still valid.
Vehicle inspections and police traffic stops
Many motorcycles are registered as seasonal vehicles and are only allowed on the road from March to October. One thing is often forgotten: the vehicle inspection.
Check your licence plate in time to see whether your main inspection is still valid or if you need to visit the inspection centre before the season starts — because the start of the motorcycle season also comes with increased traffic checks.
The first test ride
Start with a short and careful test ride after completing the check. Pay attention to unusual noises, test the braking behaviour and slowly get used to the riding feeling again. Your body also needs time to readjust to the riding position and the physical strain of riding — so take it easy at first. The tyres may also need some time after a long period of inactivity to regain their optimal grip. At the same time, the engine oil first needs to distribute evenly again once the engine warms up.
After about 10–20 kilometres, you should briefly check your motorcycle once more.
Note
If you notice any defects that you cannot fix yourself, or if your motorcycle makes unusual noises, you should visit a professional workshop. Safety always comes first!
Conclusion
A thorough motorcycle spring check ensures that you can start the new season safely and with peace of mind. If you check tyres, brakes, battery and fluids in good time, nothing will stand in the way of your first rides of the year.
With a little preparation and attention, you can get your motorcycle ready for the new season — and enjoy the riding experience from the very first kilometre.
💡Is appearance just as important to you as safety? With the Einhell polishing machines and the matching tips from our blog article, you can make your motorcycle shine just in time for the start of the season — and you will definitely turn heads on the road.
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Published on 24.03.2026
Melanie Gellrich works as a student trainee in the online editorial team at Einhell, where she handles virtually all content relating to tools, garden equipment and accessories. Her go-to Einhell tool in her student flat-share is the TE-SV 18 Li cordless stick vacuum cleaner – because a powerful vacuum cleaner helps to quickly tidy up the flat, even in the midst of student life.